Becoming an information technology (IT) technician can be an advantageous career choice. It offers the chance to work in a challenging and rapidly-changing field while also providing opportunities for growth and advancement. But what does it take to become an IT technician? This blog post will provide an overview of the IT technician career path, including the education and training required, as well as some of the critical skills that are needed for success in this field.
1. What Is an IT Technician?
An IT technician is a person who has the knowledge and experience to maintain, repair, and update information technology products. These specialists can work in various settings, including home offices, repair shops, retail stores, or large corporations. In this role, they not only handle hardware problems such as computer crashes but also software issues such as application design and data recovery.
An IT technician often works closely with expert programmers, developers, and digital artists to create the most effective technologies. They install software systems, troubleshoot computer problems, and monitor system performance. In addition, they must be knowledgeable of current trends to apply them effectively in their work.
2. What Does an IT Technician Do?
The duties of an IT technician vary significantly from one job to the next. In most cases, however, they will be expected to carry out various activities as part of their daily routine. These include:
• Monitor and control computer networks. This may involve working with both hardware and software on a day-to-day basis. Most of a technician’s time may be spent analyzing and fixing problems while also ensuring that systems are functioning correctly.
• Troubleshoot computer hardware and software issues. IT technicians must identify and correct computing devices and operational programs, including anything from web browsers to security software.
• Provide technical support for users. Many IT technicians work directly with clients and customers to help them solve any issues they might be experiencing or provide advice on how best to use the technology.
• Manage devices. The knowledge required to configure, maintain and update the systems an organization uses is all responsibilities of an IT technician. This includes working with desktop computers, laptops, servers, and networks.
• Analyze network security threats. Technicians must know how to detect cyber threats, including malware installation or violation of company policies. It is also important to put proper defenses in place so that the network being monitored stays safe from these threats.
• Debug hardware and software products. Debugging involves systematically investigating a system or process to locate and resolve errors. In most cases, this will involve examining code line-by-line until the source of the problem is found.
3. What Skills Do I Need?
An IT technician is typically expected to have a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. They should collect the necessary data regarding an issue, make logical conclusions based on this information and relay their findings clearly and concisely.
• Technical skills: As previously mentioned, computer technicians must identify problems with hardware and software systems as well as be able to resolve them. They should also be able to install, configure and maintain systems effectively.
• Interpersonal skills: Good communication is essential for this profession since all stages could involve working with other people. An ability to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and explain issues in an easily understandable way are all essential qualities that should be possessed by anyone considering this line of work.
• Basic programming and scripting skills: It is also necessary for technicians to have some coding ability since they are frequently required to create scripts that allow them to automate the process of monitoring log files or restarting services.
• Problem-solving capabilities: As an IT technician, you will be expected to figure out why a system isn’t working and devise a way to solve the problem. Flexibility, patience, and a willingness to learn new things are all traits that could be helpful when identifying potential solutions.
• Analytical skills: To debug hardware or software products, technicians will need to break down the process into more manageable parts to find the root of the problem.
• Technical design knowledge: This will allow technicians to create system specifications that define hardware and software requirements for clients and colleagues.
4. What Kind of Education Do I Need?
A bachelor‘s degree in computer science or information technology is generally required for an entry-level IT technician position. However, many employers will also accept applicants with relevant certifications instead of a college degree. Some helpful certifications include CompTIA A+ and Network+, Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP), and Linux Professional Institute certification.
A college degree is typically preferred since it allows students to gain a more in-depth understanding of the taught concepts. Those with bachelor’s degrees can also take up specialized courses that focus on specific areas, such as network security or systems administration. However, this might not be entirely necessary since most of the necessary skills can be learned on the job.
5. What Salary Should I Expect?
According to statistics released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer support specialists earned a median annual wage of $52,810 in 2016. The middle 50% range for this occupation was between $42,000 and $64,810.
The lowest 10% of earners in this line of work made $34,000 or less per annum, while the highest 10% brought in $79,510 or more. It is also worth mentioning that most technicians earn an hourly wage since they are paid for all the time they spend on the job.
6. How Do I Advance?
Depending on the role, advancement could be either gradual or rapid. For instance, an individual who starts as an IT technician might work their way up to become a system engineer. However, some positions require at least three years of experience to be considered for promotion.
Typically, technicians can expect to be given greater responsibilities as they gain more experience in their particular field. This can include being tasked with managing the daily operations, working on more complex projects, or being put in charge of training recruits.
7. What Is the Job Outlook?
Employment opportunities for IT technicians are expected to increase at a rate that ranges between 7% and 16% between 2016 and 2026. Competition for jobs will be moderate, partly because there are often more job openings than qualified applicants.
According to the BLS, future IT technicians should benefit from increased demand as companies look to outsource some of their operations. This could allow individuals to find employment at various companies, such as large corporations or small startups.
8. What Does a Typical Day Look Like for an IT Technician?
Most of the time, a day at work for an IT technician will involve troubleshooting hardware and software problems. This might entail reviewing system logs to identify where a problem lies or reproducing errors to understand its root cause better.
Depending on the circumstances, some technicians might have to conduct live tests to put company systems or data at risk. This can include verifying that a newly installed application does not contain any malware or opening a network connection to a third party.
In other cases, technicians might perform routine maintenance tasks such as installing security patches, upgrading firmware, or deleting outdated files from the server. In addition, they may have to work closely with external vendors who provide technical support and approve their work to avoid introducing new bugs.
9. What Are the Top Recruiting Companies for an IT Technician?
Some companies that are most likely to hire IT technicians include hardware and software manufacturers, telecommunications companies, colleges and universities, research laboratories, and management consulting firms.
Some of the top recruiting companies include
Dell – provides hardware and software support to businesses and educational opportunities to individuals.
Intel – focuses on developing new technologies such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and smart cars.
IBM – offers services that range from consulting and technical support to outsourcing and managed solutions.
Microsoft – develops computer software, consumer electronics, and personal computers.
Cisco – produces networking systems that allow for data transfers over the Internet.
Many companies also provide training programs to help technicians keep up with new technologies. These can include regular seminars about upcoming changes in hardware, software, or platforms, as well as specialized courses aimed at improving a candidate’s skills.
10. What Kind of Work Environment Can I Expect?
IT technicians typically work 35 hours a week and often can telecommute. This means that they could be required to remain on call in case an emergency arises or if there is a critical problem that needs to be fixed as soon as possible.
Technicians can also expect to work in an office environment where they could be supervised by a lead technician or engineer. They will likely spend most of their time on a computer and may need to travel and visit different sites such as manufacturing facilities, retail stores, or corporate headquarters.
11. Best Colleges to Study IT Tech
The following is a list of top colleges to study IT technician:
Western Michigan University – offers programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Students are required to take courses in math, computer science, budgeting, accounting, and business writing. This school also offers tutoring services for math, reading, English.
State University of New York (SUNY) – offers degrees that range from certificates and diplomas to masters and doctoral degrees. This school also offers online programs for working professionals.
Chicago State University – provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its faculty research. This includes investigating ways to improve math education and the accessibility of technology.
City College of San Francisco – offers courses that can be transferred to four-year colleges or used to enter the workforce. This school also offers degrees in computer science, engineering, applied sciences, mathematics, and business administration.
12. Online Courses to Study IT Tech
The following is a list of online courses to study IT tech
Professional Certificate in IT Project Management by Edx- This course is for anyone interested in managing, planning, and implementing IT projects. The course will help you take on the role of an IT project manager in any industry or company that uses technology for business purposes. You can either opt to complete this program online or take it up at one of the partner colleges.
Information Technology Foundations by Edx: This course is to introduce and develop the knowledge and skills needed to manage IT projects throughout their lifecycle. The course delves into the foundations of designing, planning, implementing, and maintaining IT systems in an organization.
Google IT Support Professional Certificate by Coursera- Learn how to solve technical problems with Google products, including popular consumer tools like Search and Maps, G Suite applications (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, etc.), Android and Chrome OS.
Technical Support Fundamentals by Coursera- Following completing this course, you will be able to confidently and competently perform as an IT support specialist for your company or clients.
Conclusion
It technician career path is an excellent option for those who want to work in the technology industry and desire to help people with their computer problems. Its technicians are responsible for installing, maintaining, and repairing computer systems and networks. They often work in corporate settings or businesses that provide technical support to customers. The job outlook for its technicians is good, as the demand for these professionals continues to grow. Those interested in this career should consider obtaining an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in information technology or a related field. Certification from organizations like CompTIA can also be helpful.
